Many taxpayers submit Form 15G or 15H to avoid TDS deduction, but deductors often miss the compliance requirement of filing these forms on time. Missing the due date can attract penalties and notices.

UNDERSTANDING FORM 15G & FORM 15H
Form 15G and Form 15H are self-declarations submitted by individuals to avoid TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on certain incomes like interest.

·         Form 15G: Submitted by individuals below 60 years

·         Form 15H: Submitted by senior citizens (60 years and above)

These forms are given to banks, financial institutions, or other deductors.

DUE DATE FOR FILING (JAN–MAR 2026 QUARTER)
For declarations received during the quarter ending March 31, 2026, the due date for filing Form 15G/15H with the Income Tax Department is:

30th April 2026

This is applicable for all deductors who have received such declarations during the January to March 2026 period.

APPLICABLE LEGAL PROVISIONS

·         Section 197A of Income Tax Act: Allows submission of Form 15G/15H for non-deduction of TDS if conditions are satisfied

·         Rule 29C of Income Tax Rules: Governs the procedure for submission and reporting of these forms

·         CBDT Notification No. 76/2015: Mandates electronic filing of Form 15G/15H by deductors

These provisions require deductors to upload the details of received forms on the income tax portal within the prescribed due dates.

HOW TO FILE FORM 15G/15H DETAILS
Deductors must:

1.      Collect physical or electronic Form 15G/15H from customers

2.      Verify correctness (PAN, eligibility, income limits)

3.      Prepare quarterly statement using utility

4.      Upload the statement on the income tax e-filing portal

DELAY CONSEQUENCES
Failure to file within due date may lead to:

·         Penalty under Section 272A(2)(f): Rs. 100 per day of default

·         Maximum penalty: Equal to the number of days default continues

·         Possible scrutiny or notices from the department

REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE
A bank receives 200 Form 15H declarations in February 2026 but forgets to upload them by April 30, 2026. If filed 20 days late, penalty = 20 × 100 = Rs. 2,000.

PRACTICAL TIP / CA INSIGHT
Always maintain a quarterly compliance tracker for TDS-related filings. Automate reminders for Form 15G/15H submission deadlines to avoid penalties and last-minute rush.

Also, ensure forms are properly verified before submission—incorrect PAN or invalid declarations can lead to rejection and compliance issues.

FAQ SECTION

Q1. What happens if Form 15G/15H is not filed on time?
Late filing can attract a penalty of Rs. 100 per day under Section 272A(2)(f).

Q2. Is it mandatory to file Form 15G/15H online?
Yes, as per CBDT guidelines, electronic filing is mandatory for deductors.

Q3. Can Form 15G/15H be revised after submission?
Yes, correction statements can be filed if errors are found.

Q4. Who is responsible for filing Form 15G/15H details?
The deductor (bank, company, or institution receiving the form) is responsible.

Q5. Is there any threshold limit for submitting Form 15G?
Yes, the estimated total income must be below the taxable limit and tax liability should be nil.

CONCLUSION
Timely filing of Form 15G/15H is a critical compliance requirement for deductors. Missing the April 30, 2026 deadline can result in unnecessary penalties and notices. Proper planning and tracking can ensure smooth compliance.

For expert guidance on this topic, contact your tax professional today.